Art Work Requirements

General Guidelines

Show us what you’ve got! One of the first lessons you’ll learn about becoming an artist or designer is the value of a strong collection of your work that you share with others. We want to see pieces that best convey your process and skills.

Requirements

Copywriting Major:

Applicants to the Copywriting major are not required to submit a portfolio. The admissions decision will be based on grade point average and ACT or SAT test scores.

All Other Majors:

The art work you submit with your application should demonstrate original thinking and should be a reflection of you and how you view the world.

It should include examples of work that indicates the type of student you will be at the College for Creative Studies.

It should provide us with an understanding of your interest in and commitment to the field of art and/or design.

Your work may show how other artists and designers have influenced you.

You may also want to show how other aspects of culture - i.e. literature, music, film, politics, fashion, etc. - have helped you develop both intellectually and artistically.

The art work you submit does not need to include examples of your work in your intended major. The work should emphasize your strongest skillsets and show us how you think.

Edit your work. Quality is more important than quantity. Limit your art samples to 5 to 8 consistent pieces. Work completed within the last two years is usually the strongest.

Consider the entire picture surface; try not to isolate one object in the center of the page.

Any medium is acceptable for these drawings, including but not limited to: charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, paint, pastel, colored pencil and digital rendering.

Guidelines for Imagination Drawing

When submitting original character drawings, include the surrounding environment you envision them working, playing and living in.

Consider filling the entire picture surface. Try not to isolate one object in the center of the page.

Character development should incorporate your own unique style as opposed to copying a pre-existing style (i.e. anime or manga).

You may combine one or more reference sources in combination when creating your own unique image. Copied images are not acceptable.

If submitting your own original inventions or concept design (i.e. products, fashion, transportation or furniture) you may include sketches, background research and inspiration used to develop them. Show us your thinking process!

Suggested assignments for those with little to no art background or portfolio for admission

A minimum of 5 to 8 pieces are still required for admission. You may complete any of these suggested assignments multiple times.

2 Dimensional Design project:Use a camera to create the following:

A portrait of how you see yourself.

A portrait of how others (or “the world”) sees you.

Documentation of your environment and how you interpret your environment.

Three Dimensional Design project:

Create a 3D sculpture from a variety of found objects or materials that you are drawn to. Explore color, texture, form and message. Photograph it in its environment.

Create a mask that transforms the wearer into a whole new character, creature or world.

Written project: Create a distress / “SOS” or “message in a bottle” letter. Contact the Admissions Office for more suggestions.

Submission Guidelines for the Visual Portfolio

Images of your final portfolio may be uploaded to http://ccs.slideroom.com. You will be charged a $10 upload fee. If it is not possible for you to upload your work, you may make other arrangements with your admissions counselor.